Pharyngeal pouch

This is the medical name for a condition in which there is a weakness
in the lower part of the pharynx which causes the muscles to balloon outwards
and form a pouch.

Hence the name ‘pharyngeal pouch’.

This occurs at the bottom of the pharynx
and just above the upper
oesophageal sphincter muscle.

This ‘pouch’worsens over
time due to repeated swallowing.

Causes of pharyngeal pouch

Some people are more prone than others
to developing a pharyngeal pouch. It is difficult to say why this happens
but several theories have been put forward, for example a weakness in
the muscles of the pharynx due to the ageing process.

However, there are a few risk factors
for this which includes:

Acid
reflux

Smoking

Excess alcohol consumption

Stroke or a similar condition

Surgery which has been performed
in that area of the body

If you are at high risk of developing acid reflux then be aware that this also increases your
risk of a pharyngeal pouch.

Symptoms of pharyngeal pouch

The most common symptom is the sensation
of a lump in the throat also known as dysphagia, which causes difficulty in swallowing. Other
symptoms include regurgitation of food, bad breath and coughing. A ‘gurgling’
sound may be heard during swallowing.

Treatment for pharyngeal pouch

If you experience any of these symptoms
then consult your GP. He or she will refer you to a specialist for further
investigation. This is important as there may be an underlying cause
of your condition such as a stroke or acid reflux disease.

The oesophagus will be examined using
a medical imaging technique called ‘barium swallow’. This involves
swallowing a liquid which leaves a coating on the oesophagus and will
enable it to be seen on an X-ray.

This is usually treated by endoscopic
surgery although open surgery is another option. The muscle responsible
for causing the pouch is incised and the pouch stapled.